By decision of the Minister of Rural Development and Food Margaritis Schinas, a new Scientific Working Group is being established with a mandate focused on Greek honey and apicultural products.

The newly formed group brings together officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the country’s Agricultural Organization (ELGO-DIMITRA), the Food Safety Authority (EFET), and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), alongside members of the academic community and representatives of production and cooperative bodies in the sector. Its objective is to develop evidence-based proposals aimed at strengthening Greek beekeeping and protecting the authenticity and reputation of Greek honey.

The Working Group’s mandate spans several core priorities. Central among them is the formulation of measures to safeguard beekeepers’ income while addressing fraud, mislabeling, and practices that mislead consumers, including the so-called “Hellenization” of imported products.

In parallel, the group will examine ways to protect and promote Greece’s indigenous bee genetic resources, while also exploring the use of modern digital tools and artificial intelligence applications to enhance traceability and improve market oversight.

Additional areas of focus include the certification and promotion of the distinctive qualities of Greek honey and related apicultural products, the strengthening of biodiversity and pollinator protection, as well as the modernization and updating of the sector’s regulatory framework.